Real Estate News

Shannon McGahn, NAR’s Vice President of Government Affairs, issued the following statement after the EPA yesterday unveiled a proposal to change the Waters of the U.S. definition in order to clarify which waters are and are not regulated by the federal government.

“Shannon McGahn, NAR’s Vice President of Government Affairs, issued the following statement after the EPA today unveiled a proposal to change the Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) definition in order to clarify which waters are and are not regulated by the federal government.

“Clean water is essential to life. It creates the opportunity for a healthy environment, growing economy and allows us to live in vibrant neighborhoods across this country. That’s why the National Association of Realtors® continues to support voluntary, market-based solutions that enhance the quality of our water resources while protecting private property rights.
However, as it was written nearly five years ago, the Environmental Protection Agency’s ‘Waters of the U.S.’ rule greatly expanded the federal government’s control over local land use decisions, inhibiting real estate development and economic growth in countless American communities.

“Today’s announcement brings us closer to a clear and consistent definition of WOTUS, providing much needed certainty to America’s development and real estate industries. NAR looks forward to continuing our work alongside Congress, the White House and the EPA in the joint effort to improve WOTUS, protect private property, and secure clean water for everyone in this country.”

More than 230 real estate professionals were named as “newsmakers” for their role as influencers, crusaders, and trailblazers in the industry. RISMedia, a real estate news and information service, announced its “Class of 2019 Real Estate Newsmakers,” highlighting those in the industry who have made headlines over the past year because of their newsworthy contributions to the real estate industry.

The National Association of Realtors® was well-represented, with the following named to the “Class of 2019 Real Estate Newsmakers” list:

Earlier this week, during an address to the Mortgage Bankers Association 2018 Annual Conference in Washington, D.C, Treasury Department Secretary Deputy Craig Phillips reiterated a Trump administration priority to end the conservatorship of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

NAR President Elizabeth Mendenhall, a sixth-generation Realtor® from Columbia, Missouri and CEO of RE/MAX Boone Realty, issued the following statement in response.

“Realtors® applaud the administration’s calls to end conservatorship while maintaining an explicit government guarantee as NAR continues to support a methodical, measured approach to GSE reform that will put the secondary mortgage market on the path to sustainability. As this process continues, we urge policymakers in Washington to prioritize reforms that ensure broad access, provide liquidity to the national market, and promote stability in the housing market, particularly during times of economic distress. NAR looks forward to furthering these discussions with the administration as we work to secure the necessary, common sense market reforms that will benefit our broader economy.”

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